Team Washington has won the inaugural WNBA Shooting Stars competition that took place on Friday, July 24, as Part of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. But there was one face that stood out amongst the winners, being WNBA legend Elena Delle Donne.

Team Washington featured Hall of Famer Elena Delle Donne, Mystics star Shakira Austin, and EYBL standout Jezelle “GG” Banks. After the win, Holly Rowe asked Delle Donne about a WNBA return, but her answer remained noncommittal.

"I gotta work on my stamina," Donne said on July 24. "My second round was not nearly as good as the first, but you know, we're champs, so I'll take it." Donne replied to Rowe, saying it wasn't a no, "It wasn't a no, but it was not a yes."

Rowe asked Donne about her comeback, per Danielle Hobeika. Donne has won the 2019 WNBA title with the Washington Mystics, while also being a two-time MVP and a seven-time All-Star.

Her induction into this year’s Hall of Fame further cemented her legacy.  After all she has accomplished, fans are eager to see Delle Donne return to the sport following her impressive performance, which helped her team post a total score of 66.

But what more did Delle Donne have to say on playing with her teammates and the importance of this event?

The Shooting Stars event and Elena Delle Donne's take on it

The competition was held among four teams: Washington, Seattle, Dallas/Detroit, and Minnesota. Every team featured a WNBA legend, a current WNBA star, and Nike EYBL Standouts in the timed shooting competition.

Each team had to score as many baskets from seven fixed spots on the court in a minute and 10 seconds, with the top 2 teams playing in round 2 for the trophy.

While Washington led round 1 with a score of 35, they won the second round with a score of 31 against Seattle, which consisted of WNBA legend Lauren Jackson, star Flau’jae Johnson and standout Tatianna Griffin.

"I love it," Delle Donne said on July 24, according to USA Today. "I hope viewers loved it and continue to see it because I think this is super meaningful. I think, you know, when you get touchpoints like this and hopefully get to inspire the next generation, or they get to carry you in an event."

While Donne swiftly answered Rowe's question of whether she would be returning to the league, she did appreciate being able to play against the younger generation and lead her team to victory.

The WNBA All-Star Game is set to take place on Saturday, July 25, at the United Center in Chicago.

Would you like to see Donne make a full-time return to the WNBA? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Rati Agrawal